Rhaphiolepis plant named ‘Parhap’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of  Rhaphiolepis  plant named ‘Parhap’ characterized by a compact growth habit, resistance to leaf spot disease, white uniform flowers and cold hardiness.

Botanical classification: Rhaphiolepis×indicia.

Variety denomination: ‘Parhap’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present Invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Rhaphiolepis plant, botanically known as Rhaphiolepis×inidica and hereinafter referred to by the name ‘Parhap’. Rhaphiolepis species are grown chiefly as ornamental flowering and evergreen shrubs for low hedges, groupings, and mass plantings.

The new cultivar originated from seed collected from the seed or female parent plant Rhaphiolepis indica ‘Fergusonii’ (not patented). The male or pollen parent plant is unknown. The seeds were grown out and ‘Parhap’ was discovered and selected as a single plant in 1996 in Kulnura in the state of New South Wales, Australia.

The first asexual reproduction of ‘Parhap’ was in 2001 by terminal cuttings in Kulnura, New South Wales, Australia. The unique features of this new Rhaphiolepis have proven stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of ‘Parhap’. These characteristics in combination distinguish ‘Parhap’ as a new and distinct cultivar:

-   -   1. Compact growth habit.     -   2. Resistance to leaf spot disease caused by Entomosporium spp.     -   3. White uniform flowers.     -   4. Cold hardiness.

The closest comparison cultivar is the seed parent plant ‘Fergusonii’. Rhaphiolepis ‘Parhap’ is different from ‘Fergusonii’ in the following characteristics:

Characteristic ‘Parhap’ ‘Fergusonii’ Leaf: width of blade Medium Very narrow to narrow Leaf: shape oblanceolate elliptic Leaf: undulation of margin Very weak Strong Leaf: curvature of Straight Recurved longitudinal axis Leaf: glossiness of upper Medium to strong Medium side Leaf: colour Dark Green Light to medium green Leaf: disease resistance Strong Medium Fruit: degree of fruiting Absent to very weak Strong Filament: degree of Strong Weak to medium anthocyanin coloration Calyx: degree of Strong Weak to medium anthocyanin coloration

In comparison to the variety ‘Snowcap’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,544), ‘Parhap’ has foliage that remains green in cooler months. The foliage of ‘Snowcap’ turns a burgundy color during cooler months. ‘Snowcap’ also produces berries after flowering, while ‘Parhap’ does not.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying sheet of photographs illustrate the distinguishing traits of Rhaphiolepis ‘Parhap’.

The top photograph is an overall view of a 12 month old plant.

The bottom photograph is an enlarged view of the flowers.

The photographs were taken using conventional techniques and although colors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectance it is as accurate as possible by conventional photographic techniques.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The new Rhaphiolepis has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment such as temperature and light intensity, without, however, any variance in genotype.

The following is a detailed description of the new Rhaphiolepis cultivar named ‘Parhap’. Data was collected in Kulnura, New South Wales, Australia from 12 month old plants raised in 20 cm. pots in commercial grade, soil-less potting mix. In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, 1995 Edition.

-   Botanical classification: Rhaphiolepis×indica cultivar ‘Parhap’. -   Parentage: -   Female parent: Rhaphiolepis indica ‘Fergusonii’. -   Male parent: Unknown. -   Propagation: Terminal or softwood cuttings. -   Root description: Fine and fibrous. -   Low temperature tolerance: USDA zone 7. -   High temperature tolerance: 40 degrees Centigrade. -   Drought tolerance: Moderate. -   Plant description: -   Habit: Bushy shrub; shape, globose; overall dimensions; 1.1 meters     in height and 95 centimeters in width; -   Stem: Lateral branch dimensions: 18 cm. in length and 6 cm. in     diameter; texture, rough; color, 199B. -   Leaf: Dimensions 35 millimeters in length and 26 millimeters in     width; attitude, semi-erect; arrangement, alternate; petiole, 9 mm.     in length and 2 mm. in diameter; shape, oblanceolate; apex, obtuse;     base, attenuate; incision of margin, present, crenate; undulation of     margin very weak; shape in cross section, concave; curvature of     longitudinal axis, straight; glossiness of upper side, medium to     strong; color, upper surface dark green RHS 147A, lower surface RHS     146C; -   Inflorescence: Flowering season, spring to summer; type, single;     attitude, erect; diameter, 27 millimeters. -   Bud: Dimensions, 5 mm. in length and 2.5 mm. in diameter; shape,     elliptical; color, 155A. -   Flower: Flowers arranged in broad pyramidical panicles; width, 5 to     7.5 cm; fragrance, absent. -   Petal: Dimensions, 10 mm. in length and 6 mm. in diameter; shape,     obovate; color, upper surface white RHS 155D; lower surface 155D. -   Calyx: Dimensions, 5 mm. in length and 2.5 mm. in diameter; color,     196B. -   Peduncle: Strength, strong; dimensions, 3.5 cm. in length and     0.6 cm. in diameter, color, 147A. -   Reproductive organs: -   Stamens, About 8 per flower; anther shape, oval; anther length, 0.7     mm.; anther color, 11D; pollen amount, moderate. -   Pistils: Length, 2 mm.; stigma shape, rounded, stigma color, 155D. -   Seed production: Has not been observed. -   Disease resistance: After growing plants in Kulnura surrounded with     plants infected with leaf spot, Entomosporium spp., ‘Parhap’     remained vigorous and disease free while less resistant varieties     were affected by leaf spot disease. -   Pest resistance: Has not been observed. 

1. A new and distinct variety of Rhaphiolepis plant named ‘Parhap’ as described and illustrated. 